Switched On

Felicia Aminoff, an analyst from BNEF’s Grids and Utilities team, sheds light on the future of power grid investments. With $326 billion poured into grids in 2023, she discusses the urgent upgrades needed due to growing energy demands driven by AI and climate change. The conversation delves into how data centers are impacting power needs and strategies to shield grids from extreme weather. Additionally, Aminoff addresses the backlog of renewable energy projects and compares investment strategies across different regions, highlighting the contrasts between the US and Europe.

Antoine Vagneur-Jones and Matthew Hales from BNEF's Trade and Supply Chains team unpack the global clean technology race. They delve into the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's transformative impact on trade relations and how Europe is responding with its Net-Zero Industry Act. The duo discusses the effectiveness of tariffs and the challenges of competing with Chinese manufacturers. They also explore the implications of impending U.S. elections on clean technology policies and the competitive landscape for both sides of the Atlantic.

Colin McKerracher, Head of Transport and Energy Storage at BloombergNEF, leads a riveting discussion with industry leaders. Freya Burton from LanzaTech shares insights on sustainable aviation fuel's development challenges. Chris Johnson of C2X highlights the promising future of green methanol production. Lara Naqushbandi from ETFuels delves into the complexities of e-fuels and the financial landscape for clean energy investment. Together, they explore the paths to decarbonizing heavy transport and the critical role of government policy in fuel adoption.

Hugh Bromley, BNEF’s Head of Food, Agriculture and Nature, and Alistair Purdie, a BNEF team member, delve into the upcoming UN Biodiversity Summit in Cali, Colombia. They highlight the urgent need to address the funding gap in the Global Biodiversity Framework and the various national biodiversity strategies. The discussion uncovers the tensions around profiting from genetic data and emphasizes the significance of collective action among nations to combat biodiversity loss and integrate Indigenous voices in negotiations.

Kwasi Ampofo, global lead of BNEF's metals and mining team, and Rosemary Katz, a member of the same team focused on the 2024 Transition Metals Outlook, share their insights on the critical role of metals in the energy transition. They reveal staggering projections for lithium and manganese demand, driven by electric vehicle trends. The discussion delves into declining metals prices, supply chain challenges, and the economic influences on platinum mining. Plus, they highlight manganese's growing potential in battery technologies—an often overlooked but crucial player in the green revolution.

Discover the groundbreaking innovations tackling climate challenges, from net-zero fuels to biodiversity. Hear about the rise of pennycress as a sustainable fuel and the impact of technology like CRISPR in agriculture. Industry leaders share insights on transitioning to clean power and overcoming obstacles in financing climate tech. Dive into data-driven strategies to enhance biodiversity and learn how monitoring efforts can lead to effective solutions for a greener future.

Helen Ramsbottom and Alistair Purdie, analysts from BNEF's Food, Agriculture and Nature team, dive deep into the environmental impacts of the agri-food system. They tackle the staggering role agriculture plays in global emissions and biodiversity loss. The duo discusses the complexities of quantifying a food company’s environmental footprint and the promising potential of regenerative agriculture. Hear how sustainable practices could reshape the industry amidst rising pressures and the crucial interlink between biodiversity and economic value in this vital sector.

Maria-Olivia Torcea from BNEF’s Oil Team joins to discuss the pressing issue of methane emissions. She highlights satellite technology's revolutionary role in detecting methane leaks from oil and gas operations. The conversation covers the challenges of accurate emission reporting and the contrasting efforts of international and national oil companies. They delve into global initiatives like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, the impact of COP28 discussions, and regulatory measures in the EU and US aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing transparency in the industry.

Giorgio Fortunato, Head of Clean Energy and Power in Asia Pacific for Google, joins experts at the BNEF Summit to discuss India's monumental task of expanding clean energy to meet skyrocketing demand. They explore the urgent need for fourfold increases in wind and solar capacity. The conversation delves into the challenges of underperforming renewable projects, the importance of nuclear power, and the impact of rising energy needs from tech companies. Innovative approaches like wind-solar hybrids and pumped hydro storage also take center stage.

David Doherty, the Head of Oil and Renewable Fuels Research at BloombergNEF, shares insights on the shifting landscape of oil asset divestment. He highlights the surprising $290 billion divestment by major oil companies since 2015, yet notes a recent slowdown. The discussion delves into how rising energy prices and public pressure for decarbonization are reshaping strategies. Doherty emphasizes that mere asset divestment won't ensure a greener future, urging a deeper look into investment practices and the importance of balancing financial returns with environmental accountability.